Etiquette expert Peggy Post tackles your most vexing moments, from teens who curse like crazy to parents who pick up their little darlings a couple of hours late

Q: My 14-year-old's best pal curses nonstop. I've asked him not to do that at our house, but no luck. Help!

Q: My 14-year-old's best pal curses nonstop. I've asked him not to do that at our house, but no luck. Help!

A: The next time it happens, sit down with the friend — right at your kitchen table — and say, "I love having you here, but we have a problem. I've asked you several times to stop cursing. If you can't change your behavior in our house, I'm unfortunately going to have to ask you to leave. Can you work with me to fix this situation?" Then, the next time he curses in your house, send him home as soon as is practical.

If you want to involve his parents, tread lightly. Say: "I'm glad the boys are such good friends, but do you notice that Kevin curses? Can we all work to help the boys avoid bad language?"

Q: People ask me, "How much did it cost to adopt your child?" and "Why did her real (!!) parents give her up?" What can I say to these rude people?

Q: People ask me, "How much did it cost to adopt your child?" and "Why did her real (!!) parents give her up?" What can I say to these rude people?

A: Wow, these questions take nosiness up a notch! Try a redirect: "If you're interested in learning more about international adoption, I can steer you to the agency that helped us find Thalia." If they persist, say, as graciously as you can, "Oh, I make it a rule not to discuss money," or "Actually, I am her 'real' parent." That latter bit of truth might stop the inquirer right in her tracks!